Fiat’s new Ulysse MPV contains some of the most sophisticated electronic systems for vehicle braking, traction control and dynamic stability available today, offering an unparalleled level of active safety in this segment. All versions of the new MPV are fitted with 285 mm ventilated disc brakes at the front and 272 mm solid discs at the rear.

ABS anti-lock braking, complete with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assistance, is fitted as standard across the range. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP), standard on the 2.0 litre automatic and 2.2 litre JTD versions, governs traction to control stability while cornering, and includes ASR to limit wheel slip during acceleration, and MSR to modulate brake torque whilst changing down. All versions of the Ulysse feature automatic hazard warning lights.

ABS

The latest Bosch 5.7 ABS anti-lock braking system is standard throughout the range. The brakes work on a diagonally split safety circuit which maintains balanced braking in the unlikely event of fluid loss in one circuit. The system is complemented by an Electronic Brakeforce Distributor (EBD) that governs braking action on the rear axle to prevent the wheels locking and ensures full control of the car in all situations. The system also adapts its operation to wheel grip conditions and brake pad efficiency to reduce pad overheating.

Brake Assist

On Ulysse models without ESP, emergency brake assistance takes the form of Mechanical Brake Assistance (MBA); a mechanical system located inside the brake servo. On vehicles fitted with ESP, the function is carried out electronically by the ABS control unit and is known as Hydraulic Brake Assistance (HBA). The latter system is complemented by an Electronic Brakeforce Distributor (EBD) that governs braking action on the rear axle to prevent wheel locking and ensure full control of the car in all situations. Both systems carry out an identical function with equal efficiency.

ESP

2.0 litre automatic and 2.2 litre JTD versions of the new MPV come with a permanently engaged Electronic Stability Program (ESP) – optional across the rest of the range – which activates to help control the car when stability is at risk.

Via sensors monitoring car body rotation, lateral acceleration and steering wheel input, the system assesses vehicle stability and the proximity of either an understeering or oversteering slide. The system restores stability by applying smoothly modulated braking to the appropriate individual wheel, and simultaneously reducing engine power. Engine power reduction is carefully modulated to ensure a minimum of performance loss and, hence, continued driving satisfaction.

ASR and MSR

Ulysse versions fitted with ESP further benefit from a highly sophisticated Anti Slip Regulation system (ASR) to restrict wheel slip in cases of reduced grip. ASR traction control works at any speed, and prevents the driven wheels from slipping by adjusting torque according to available levels of grip.

The MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Reelung) cuts in when a gear is shifted down abruptly under conditions of low grip. The system restores torque to the engine to prevent skidding as a result of wheel lock-up.

Automatic Hazard Warning Lights

This system recognises hard, prolonged braking and automatically activates the hazard warning lights as an early warning to following vehicles. The hazard lights remain on until the vehicle accelerates again, or the driver switches them off.